CENTER FOR CREATIVE WORKFORCE EQUITY

digital storytelling Pre-apprenticeship

A Partnership of Venice Arts & the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity

Ready for the next step on your creative career pathway?

Apply for our free pre-apprenticeship program designed to build your creative and technical knowledge and skills in digital storytelling and multimedia production, and to support you as you apply for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, and early career work in the creative sector!

You’ll receive over160-hours of training at Venice Arts, plus complete project-based assignments; receive mentoring and other forms of support; meet sector professionals through our Creative Conversations program; and work with our Recruiter.

Successful graduates receive a cash stipend, are Certified by Venice Arts, and sit for Adobe Premier Pro Professional Certification! Map your journey, here!

Want more information? Register to attend an Info Session on the 3rd Wednesday of every month starting August, 2024 at 4pm, here.

  • 2024-2025 Applications Open July 1, 2024.

    Deadlines: (Fall) Sept 20, 2024 (Winter) Dec 20, 2024

    Fall 2024 Cohort runs Oct 15-Dec 13, 2024; Winter 2025 Cohort runs Jan 15-March 7, 2025.

    Applicants must commit to attending 100% of this intensive, in-person program, which is held at Venice Arts.

    Classes meet over 8 weeks, from 10 am-5 pm on T, W, Th, Fri (weeks 1 & 8), and T, W, Th (weeks 2-7). Please consider whether or not you will be able to participate before applying.

    In addition to formal class times, you will be expected to complete projects outside of class, attend mentoring meetings and special networking events, such as Creative Conversations, and to meet with our Recruiter, who will support you as you apply for on-the-job training, apprenticeships, or jobs.

  • To be eligible, you must be:

    — Age 18 to 24

    — A resident of LA County

    — Low-income

    — Some video production, editing, or other creative experience required, although it does not need to be in a formal (school) setting

    Priority is given to young people living in areas with high COVID impact and to those who are:

    — BIPOC

    — Former foster, unhoused, or criminal justice impacted

    — LGBTIA+.

    If you are selected, we may be able to assist with transportation costs and other possible barriers to participation.

CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS

6 MONDAYS, 4-5:30PM. VIRTUAL. FREE!

REGISTER HERE and and join the conversation! Meet directors, producers, cinematographers, executives, agents, animators, and more, while learning about diverse career pathways open to you. Active participants receive priority when applying to the Digital Storytelling Pre-Apprenticeship program. Current DSP student’s are required to enroll.

FREE! Open to all, with priority given to low-income young people ages 16 to 24.

Check-out past & upcoming Conversations, here!

journey through the program

  • Attend Free Events

    Expos, mixers, creative career panels, and master classes build knowledge, skills, and networks.

  • Shooting a PSA

    Be Job Ready + Ambitious

    A dedicated artist. An analytic editor. A storyteller. A manager of creative projects. All are welcomed.

    Some experience preferred, passion expected. Formal education not required.

  • Girl drawing

    Learn More + Apply

    Attend a Virtual Info Session

    Submit Your Application, Resume, Personal Statement, & Strongest Work Sample

    Schedule A Virtual Interview

  • Student editing

    Create + Learn

    Make Narrative and Documentary Shorts, Commercial & Personal Projects

    Build A Portfolio Demonstrating Creative and Technical Knowledge and Skills

    Make Your Resume Shine

  • Student Editing

    Certificates

    Venice Arts’ Pre-Apprenticeship Certification

    Sit For Adobe Premiere Pro Professional Certification

  • Career Support

    Meet With Counselor & Recruiter

    Support During Search For On-The-Job Training, Apprenticeships, Jobs

Thank you to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity who, through the support of the American Rescue Plan Act, has been a lead partner in the development of pre-apprenticeship and creative sector job placement programs.

We are also grateful to the following companies and foundations for their generous support: The Golden Globes Foundation,; NBCUniversal Creative Impact Lab; NBC Launch; the Perenchio Foundation; the Snap Foundation; United Talent Agency; Sony Pictures Entertainment.; and the W.M. Keck Foundation.

> And to our many creative sector partners who provide both learning and work experience to our participants—we couldn’t do it without you!